Non-invasive skin therapy triggers natural repair process

Presented by Nowak Aesthetics

Sunshine, genes, diet and the aging process can all impact the skin’s appearance, causing wrinkles, discoloration and sagging.

Though surgical procedures can certainly help address cosmetic aging issues, some patients prefer a less invasive process, such as Ultherapy, an ultrasound that helps lift the skin with no surgery, no needles and no recovery time, said Dr. Eugene Nowak, founder of Nowak Aesthetics.

“It’s the first technology to let us see the layers under the skin and then be able to target the layer that is treated when a facelift is performed,” said Dr. Nowak who was one of the first to offer the technology in San Diego. “It’s like a magnifying glass that causes lifting and tightening.”

Individuals can chose Ultherapy for isolated areas, such as the brows, eye area, or neck. But most people opt for a full-face treatment, including under the chin, the jaw and cheeks, Nowak said. Overall, the process takes 90 minutes to two hours.

“We see some difference right away,” said Dr. Nowak. “Through heating the collagen, you get some tightening immediately.”

Because Ultherapy triggers the skin’s natural repair process, said Dr. Nowak, collagen improvements can continue for three to six months.

“How long it lasts depends on how well you take care of it,” said Nowak.

People can drink water, maintain a balanced diet and monitor vitamin intake in order to protect their skin. Avoiding smoking also helps maintain healthier skin, and it’s possible to take oral anti-oxidants to promote skin health.

In San Diego, regular sun exposure makes it important for individuals to apply — and reapply — products with sun protectors, such as sunscreen. Nowak recommends reapplying at least twice daily, even for people who aren’t heading outdoors all day.

“We live in a beautiful part of the world,” said Dr. Nowak. “We get sun each day. You don’t necessarily have to go to the beach to get sun. Our collagen production is slowing down and our sun damage is building up.”

“It doesn’t leave them looking orangey, like some of the other products out there,” said Dr. Nowak.

Weight gain can stretch the skin, so keeping a stable weight can help maintain Ultherapy results. And some patients use Ultherapy as a preventative measure to tighten skin before planning to lose weight, said Dr. Nowak.

After skin-tightening with Ultherapy, individuals might decide to replace some of the lost volume in their face — but still maintain a natural look, said Dr. Nowak.

“We can use filler products to balance the youthful proportions of the face,” said Dr. Nowak. “However, people want to look normal, they want to look natural. People say, ‘I don’t want to look like my neighbor. She looks younger, but she doesn’t look like my neighbor anymore.’”